Like so many of you, I’m using this new calendar year to eliminate some of the weaknesses in my life. As I glance through the list of possible New Year’s resolutions, a daunting feeling rises in the pit of my stomach. Will I really wake up an hour earlier to get on the treadmill? Will I be able to say no to a second helping of pasta? Will I be able to begin and finish a new book each month? Just as the fear of quitting before I get started sets in, I finally spot something on the list that seems plausible; perform better maintenance on my vehicle and improve my financial well-being!

If you are anything like me, you’ve probably pushed off many of the maintenance items that allows your vehicle to last longer and drive better. Every time my mechanic makes these recommendations, I tell him I’ll do it next time and only fix the things that are actually broken. The problem is, that in reality I’m driving my vehicle into the ground and it is going to cost me a lot more to buy a new vehicle.

So for 2020 I resolve to take care of my vehicle better. Here is a list of the things I am committing to:

Timely Oil Changes – Nothing will do more damage to my vehicle’s engine than dirty, sludgy and low levels of oil. It’s always better to change the oil earlier than go beyond the recommended interval change. I commit to getting my oil change on time this year.

Flush and Exchange My Other Fluids – Oil is not the only fluid in my vehicle. The manufacturer has designed various components such as braking, transmission and cooling to run with specific fluids. Tests have confirmed that after a certain amount of time or mileage, the fluid will get dirty or become ineffective. Each vehicle has a service interval that details when these fluids should be changed. I commit to finding out what these intervals are and performing the exchanges at mechaniQ where they will provide a lifetime warranty on various parts.

Tune-up – Manufacturers have also determined when the spark plugs in my engine will begin to fail. Before my vehicle begins to misfire, it is recommended that I perform a tune-up which includes a spark plug replacement and cleaning out the carbon build-up in my engine. Not only will this prolong the life of my engine, but it will also increase fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. Most vehicles should get a tune-up at 100,000km. I commit to getting a tune-up done before the end of the year.

Wheel Alignment – I’ve noticed that my vehicle is drifting to the left and the steering wheel is a little crooked. Both are symptoms of poor wheel alignment. To put it simply, alignment is the direction that my vehicle’s tires are facing. When the alignment isn’t correct, the tires could be slightly dragging, causing premature wear. mechaniQ has a state-of-the-art alignment machine that can test my vehicle’s alignment, allowing the technician to make the proper adjustment. I commit to getting my vehicle properly aligned at my next oil change.

2020 may not be the year that I shed that extra 20lbs I accumulated in 2019. But I can commit to a resolution that will make my vehicle a valuable asset. The longer that I am able to drive my car, the longer I save money instead of paying costly monthly payments for a new vehicle. I may spend a little money upfront, but in the end, I will come out much more financially stable and that is something that will certainly will make 2020 a Happy New Year!